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Much Ado About Nothing is a play and so is intended for performance. The script makes more sense when read aloud and coupled with stage directions.

It is largely written in blank verse. Most lines use iambic pentameter (ten syllables) which are organised in five pairs. The first syllable is weak, the second stronger. So if we look at a typical line, we can show the weak or unstressed syllable with an 'x' above it, and the stressed syllable with an '/' above it.

In this example Claudio is saying goodbye to Hero:

This follows the patterns of natural speech and is used by Shakespeare to draw attention to particular words and ideas.

When describing form in Much Ado About Nothing, you can refer to:

• the fact that it is a play and meant to be performed
• blank verse
• the comedy genre

Evidence of the form used

Blank verse

Blank verse is usually reserved by Shakespeare for higher status characters. Notice how the Watch speak in prose. This lets the audience know that they are lower status characters and also adds to the comedic effect.

Comedy genre

In Shakespeare's comedies we tend to find wordplay and confusions. There are lots of examples in Much Ado About Nothing of mistaken identity, overheard conversations and misunderstandings. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony, in which the audience is aware of things that the characters are not, to create comedy.